Abhyangam
is a popular body massage in Ayurveda. The word
abhyangam itself means to massage.

In Ayurveda, the Abhyangam massage has become popular
because
of its effective way of conditioning the body.
Abhyangam can be used therapeutically. The massage is
designed around each individual, to suit his or her
disease or condition. An Ayurvedic physician can assess
this and will then decide on the appropriate oils and the
exact way of massage.

Abhyangam can increase the production of white blood
corpuscles and antibodies, which provide more resistance
against viruses and diseases. This helps the defence
mechanism in the body and increases immunity towards
environmental changes. In this way abhyangam massage is a
protector, preserver and a rejuvenator, increasing
self-confidence and will power. To massage is to exercise
the nervous system.

In Ayurveda
the Abhyangam massage is described as:

Jarahar(anti aging) - If
done daily to the spine, feet and head with sesame oil,
mustard oil or almond oil massage increases virility,
vitality and semen. The body is made up of seven tissue
ingredients that are called as Dhatu. Because massage is
one practice, which provides energy, vitality, and
nourishment to all seven Dhatus and old age approaches
late, one remains young and energetic for longer duration.
In this way, massage is anti aging.

Vata Har(pacifies the
Vata) - Constant strain on the nervous system from Vata
producing foods and anxieties disturb the Vata and one
starts having pain in the muscle and joints. Regular
massage with Mahanarayana oil or oils prepared by burning
garlic in heated oil, or adding fenugreek seeds to boiling
oil, mint oil and wintergreen oil all help the troubles
created by Vata.

Drishti Prasad Kar
(Improve sight) - Daily practice of massage improve sight
and keeps blindness of the eyes away. Those who have weak
sight or who suffers from diseases of the eyes should
massage the feet, especially under the big toe. They
should also massage the spine, neck and head regularly.
This will remove eye troubles and improve vision.

Pushti Kar (make one
strong) - By increasing the circulation of vital life
fluids, and because of rubbing, pressing and kneading
massage makes the body strong, increases stamina, vitality
and virility.

Swapna Kar(induces
sleep) - Massage relaxes the body and removes tensions.
Those suffering from sleeplessness, insomnia or those who
are unable to enjoy sound sleep should massage the body
(especially the head and feet) before sleeping. The use of
oil in this case, especially oil from pumpkin seeds,
massaged on the head is very helpful. Brahmi oil is also
advised.

Twak Dridh Kar
(strengthens the skin) - Dryness of the skin is caused due
to dry climate, excess mental work, anxieties and constant
worrying. People who live in cold climates get dry skin by
constantly facing the chilled air, which creates dryness.
Vata, by nature, is cold and dry and its cold property is
more active when there is a cold wave or cold wind. The
skin directly comes into contact with the external
atmosphere, and the skin also reflects like a mirror to
the inner state of the physical body. There are so many
other factors that make skin unhealthy like cosmetics of
chemical origin, pollution etc. Massage with oil remove
dryness, which is first sign of disturbed Vata in the
body. Massage also makes the skin smooth and makes it
shine. Regular rubbing makes it strong.

Klesh Sahatwa
(provides resistance against disease and disharmony) -
Massage strengthens the seven ingredients of which the
body is made up. These antibodies provide more resistance
to disease, and the strength, which comes from the seven
Dhatus, gives tolerance, forbearance, and patience. This
saves one from sorrows, agonies and anxieties.

Abhighat Sahatwa
(resistance to injuries & power to recover quickly) -
Those who massage the body regularly recover from physical
injury more quickly than other person who do not massage.
Those who massage regularly experience the healing process
from within immediately and they experience comparatively
less pain and fewer problems.

Kapha Vata Nirodhak-
Subsides ailments caused by Vata and Kapha.

Mrija Varna Bala Prad
- It maintains body strength, skin health and also
improves the color and texture of the skin.

Thus in Ayurveda massage is highly praised and much
emphasis is placed on the use of oils in massage.
However, you must note the above are only guidelines for
abhyangam and you should consult with a qualified
ayurvedic physician.